Collagen is a crucial animal protein providing structural support for the skin, hair, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It is the most abundant protein in the human body, constituting approximately 75% of the skin’s dry weight. In terms of skin health, collagen’s triple helix structure ensures its biomechanical properties, including strength, firmness, and elasticity.
Did you know that there are different types of collagens in the skin, each serving specific functions?
Among the 28 distinct types of collagens, which vary not only in their structure but also in their anatomical distribution, the most prevalent in the skin are types I, III, IV, VII, and XVII. These collagens are predominantly synthesized by dermal fibroblasts, with type VII collagen being produced by keratinocytes in the epidermal basement membrane.
- Type I collagen, the most abundant collagen in the dermis, provides tensile strength and structural integrity.
- Type III collagen, often found alongside type I collagen, contributes to the skin’s strength and firmness.
- Type IV collagen is found at the dermal-epidermal junction (DEJ), where it plays a crucial role in providing tensile strength and stability. It helps to maintain the integrity of the skin and influences cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation.
- Collagen type VII is primarily found in the anchoring fibrils at the DEJ, securing the basement membrane to the underlying dermal matrix, thus maintaining skin stability and integrity.
- Collagen XVII is crucial for maintaining the adhesion between the epidermis and dermis.
Several factors can affect the skin’s collagen production. Natural aging leads to a decrease in collagen production, while UV radiation can break down collagen fibers and accelerate skin aging. Additionally, urban pollution and cigarette smoke decrease collagen production and damage existing collagen fibers. Chronic stress also negatively impacts collagen production.
Overall, collagens are a essential for maintaining skin health and appearance.
Cosmetic Solutions
The use skin care products containing ingredients can stimulate collagen production preserving skin collagens from aging or skin damage mediated by exposome.
Unveiling the Potential of Cosmetics
To tackle this challenge, Oxiproteomics employs a cutting-edge approach by using different types of collagens as biomarkers. This innovative method evaluates the positive effects of products on skin samples exposed to the exposome. These advanced models provide fascinating insights into how the exposome impacts the skin, particularly in terms of its strength, firmness, stability, and structural integrity.
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